How to Drape

The Indian popular wear called as 'saree' or 'sari' has been in existence for more than 5000 years which is mentioned in the Vedas. According to few historical records of India , during Shunga period of 200 - 50 B.C, north Indian terracotta depicts a woman wearing a saree covering the entire body. In Maharashtra, Murals and demy-gods of total gods of the Ajanta caves are two representations of women wearing sarees draping around the entire body. According to the costume historians, dhoti was worn by both men and women till 14th century. 1st-6th century CE sculptures show goddesses and dancers wear dhoti of fishtail version. Some versions of the history of Indian clothing trace the sari back to the Indus valley civilization, which flourished in 2800-1800 BCE.

It is the basic wear of rural people of India . The name 'saree' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Chira' which means cloth. To suit the local conditions, it is designed by the Indian people in the earlier days. Ancient western historians thought about this saree that there were cloth growing trees in India . The length of it varies from 5 to 9.5 yards and it is draped around the entire body. With the simple trial, we can turn it either as a working dress or party-wear.

Middle class women wear 5-6 yard saree which is comfortable to them to do their household work. Rural women at the time of their work, tuck the same length above the ankles. If they need to work in fields, they tuck the front pleats between the legs to the back, and tie the upper portion round the waist.

In ancient days, a nine yard saree used to be worn by the Indian woman with embroidery, embellishments and gold designing. It was worn in the way of working saree. A gold silver or cloth was fixed firmly to keep pallu, upper part of pleats and folds in tact. This type of dress was worn by the famous female historians especially at the time of war who are like Jhansi 's queen Laxmi bai, Kittur Chennamma, Belawadi Mallamma etc. Tight tucking of the front pleats in the back was called 'Soldier's tuck' or

'Veeragacche'

Generally the Indian climate is warm. So, Saree is more suitable for this subcontinent. One ancient statue shows a man in a draped robe which some sari researchers believe to be a precursor of the sari. In olden days, men also wear a dress like saree called 'dhoti'. In those days, there was hardly any difference between Saree and dhoti. Men also liked to wear colorful Sarees with brocaded borders could perhaps be interchanged in needy times. The upper portion of the saree-length which covers the chest is only missing.